Frog Mucus Destroys Influenza (Popular Science)

Early research for influenza killer candidates

Frog mucus secreted from the skin acts as an added immune system barrier. Researchers discovered four peptides within the mucus killed influenza viruses in the lab, reported Popular Science.

Previously, researchers have investigated antimicrobial potential for compounds in frog slime. But taking these new molecules from lab to clinic will be daunting because already three of the peptides proved toxic to human cells such as red blood cells.

One peptide, "urumin," appears to leave human cells alone while it targets a spectrum of influenza virus cells.